【Tungs' Hospital】 Breakthrough in Joint Degeneration with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Elderly Regains Healthy Knees in Two Weeks
【Tungs' Hospital】 Breakthrough in Joint Degeneration with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: Elderly Regains Healthy Knees in Two Weeks
Visit:【Tungs' Hospital】Taiwan Medical Travel Grandpa Huang, Bionet, and Tungs' Hospital Medical Team celebrate recovery Stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis is becoming a global trend in regenerative medicine! Tungs' Hospital, in collaboration with BIONET, treated 80-year-old Grandpa Huang for Osteoarthritis using Adipose-derived stem cell therapy. His knee pain, which had plagued him for five years, improved within just two weeks. Taiwan's healthcare system and health insurance are widely recognized for their excellence. According to the 2023 Global Healthcare Index released by the global database site Numbeo, Taiwan has ranked first worldwide for five consecutive years. Along with the recent regulatory relaxation of cell therapy under the "Regenerative Medicine Law," Tungs' Hospital has accumulated substantial real-world data on indications related to regenerative medicine and tissue repair. Dr. Ou Yanquan, director of the Innovation Center at Tungs' Hospital, expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming patients from around the world to Taiwan’s international-grade medical centers for Adipose-derived stem cell therapy, regardless of nationality. "When I heard that I would need a knee replacement and at least three months of post-surgery rehabilitation, I was terrified!" Grandpa Huang's knee joints naturally degenerated with age. Over five years, he underwent conservative treatments such as medication, hyaluronic acid, and PRP, but his knee pain persisted. Walking and climbing stairs at home were difficult. He then switched to Tungs' Hospital, where he received Adipose-derived stem cell therapy. Within two weeks, he experienced reduced pain and swelling in his knee joints and improved mobility in daily activities. Now, he can drive and climb stairs with ease and is overjoyed with the results. Grandpa Huang's knee x-ray before treatment (showed visible joint narrowing due to Osteoarthritis) !-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"elements":{"link":{"color":{"text":"var:preset|color|ast-global-color-5"}}}},"textColor":"ast-global-color-5"} --> !-- /wp:paragraph --> !-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"lineHeight":1.6}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> !-- /wp:paragraph --> Dr. Zheng Yujie from the Orthopedics Department at Tungs' Hospital stated that, unlike traditional knee replacement surgery—which often worries patients due to the risk of infection and a lengthy rehabilitation period of three to six months—stem cell therapy offers an alternative for those with knee degeneration and sports injuries. Dr. Zheng shared the story of Mr. Bai, a Chinese-American in his 50s who loves sports but had knees similar to those of a 70-year-old. Despite receiving similar treatments in the U.S., his condition did not improve. Hearing about Grandpa Huang’s recovery, Mr. Bai was inspired to return to Taiwan for treatment, hoping that stem cell therapy could finally relieve his pain. Compared to medical costs in the U.S., Adipose-derived stem cell therapy for Osteoarthritis in Taiwan is far more affordable, saving patients up to six months of post-surgery rehabilitation time—making it a more economically viable solution. Dr. Zheng emphasized that in the past, the treatment for Osteoarthritis before reaching the stage of knee replacement typically involved painkillers, as well as advice to avoid squatting, kneeling, and climbing stairs. If pain persisted after six months of medication, treatments like hyaluronic acid injections or PRP would be considered to alleviate symptoms. However, the mechanism of action of Adipose-derived stem cells is different; these active stem cells can actively and effectively repair joint cartilage and suppress inflammation. Additionally, they can repair minor damage to the meniscus inside the knee joint, making this therapy beneficial not only for the elderly but also for those suffering from sports-related knee injuries. Dr. Cai Zhengxian, chairman of BIONET, stated that Adipose-derived stem cells have regenerative and repair capabilities, and they are also applicable for tendon and ligament injuries. Recently, in collaboration with the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, they conducted preclinical animal studies, using Adipose-derived stem cells to treat cartilage defects in knee joints. MRI observations showed significant cartilage regeneration after the injection, confirming both safety and efficacy. The results have been published in an international journal and have received international recognition. Dr. Cai hopes that more patients in need will see these results and come to Taiwan for treatment. According to a report by Polaris Market Research, the global Osteoarthritis market is expected to reach USD 15.3 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% from 2022 to 2030. Tungs' Hospital President Dr. Tong Minzhe presented Grandpa Huang with a sports equipment set as a gift. Dr. Ou Yanquan, Director of the Innovation Center at Tungs' Hospital, emphasized that stem cell therapy is an emerging medical technology. Previously, patients had to travel abroad for treatment, but with the initiation of local stem cell therapy programs, patients can now receive treatment in Taiwan, improving convenience. Dr. Tung Min-Che, the President of Tungs' Hospital, highlighted that the hospital continues to innovate in medical care, striving to upgrade advanced, precise, and regenerative medical technologies. Tungs' Hospital aims to provide higher-quality healthcare services, not only for the people of Taiwan but also for international patients in need, with the goal of becoming a trusted hospital for global citizens. Translated from: https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20230823700832-431205